Jan Eliasson, a seasoned diplomat, calls on the Swedish government to take a firmer stance on the Gaza situation, urging them to address clear war crimes and push for concrete actions against Israel. He criticizes the cautious approach and highlights the importance of international pressure to end the conflict.
Jan Eliasson Urges Swedish Government to Speak Out on Gaza Crisis
Jan Eliasson Urges Swedish Government to Speak Out on Gaza Crisis
Jan Eliasson has been at the forefront of international diplomacy for decades. Now, he is frustrated. He believes the Swedish government must speak clearly about the situation in Gaza and take stronger action.
"It's like watching someone being assaulted in front of you and saying, 'I can't call it assault until the trial is over.' It doesn't make sense," he says.
"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza. It's a serious situation with important principles at stake. It destroys lives and international law," says Jan Eliasson.
Having worked as a diplomat for most of his life, served as Sweden's UN ambassador in New York, mediated conflicts like Iran-Iraq, and worked as the UN's special envoy in Darfur, Eliasson has a wealth of experience. He was Sweden's foreign minister for six months before the 2006 power shift and only recently stepped down as chairman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Sipri, in 2022.
He describes himself as an optimist, but recent months have left him increasingly worried, particularly about the situation in Gaza and the Swedish government's response.
"I think Sweden has been too cautious in speaking out about obvious war crimes. This includes starvation and displacement, and how civilians, especially children, are affected. There are several issues that are clear violations of international law, which have not been addressed clearly."
Eliasson wants Sweden to present demands that lead to actions Israel must consider, including the EU suspending or pausing the association agreement with Israel, which regulates trade between the parties.
More Voices Speak of Genocide
After South Africa sued Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year, a process is underway to determine whether Israel is guilty of genocide. Such a process is lengthy and requires proving intent to destroy the Palestinian people.
In the worst case, it could take years.
"It's like watching someone being assaulted in front of you and saying, 'I can't call it assault until the trial is over.' It doesn't make sense. If we want to influence reality, we must speak clearly now."
He notes that more organizations and academics are beginning to use the term genocide.
On Monday, two Israeli human rights organizations claimed that Israel is guilty of genocide. On Tuesday, international law professor Mark Klamberg joined the growing chorus in a segment on P1 Morgon.
Jan Eliasson understands the reasoning.
"It's understandable to talk about genocide in light of the starvation, displacement, and many civilian Palestinians affected. I think it's important that Israel feels the pressure from the international community that this war must end, and thus the hostages must also be freed."
Must Speak Clearly
Recently, the Swedish government has also toughened its tone. In an interview with Sveriges Radio, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the government is pressing Israel "very, very hard" to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard described the situation as "inhuman."
It's about time, says Jan Eliasson, but it's not enough—concrete actions are needed instead.
At the same time, Jan Eliasson believes that accusations of anti-Semitism complicate open discussion.
"What upsets me greatly is when factual criticism of Israel's policy is called anti-Semitism."
Are critics of Israel's policy too easily accused of anti-Semitism?
"Absolutely, they are, and it's unacceptable that factual criticism of Israel's policy is called anti-Semitism. It poisons the debate."
Have you yourself been called an anti-Semite?
"Oh yes, look at my posts on X, and you'll see. As a long-time friend of Israel, I am dismayed when I see that those who support Israel also express racist views. It feels like a historical irony that Israel receives just that support."